In my experience, grass seed can still grow if it is stepped on, but it may not thrive as well as seed that is left undisturbed. When you step on grass seed, you are compacting the soil and potentially damaging the delicate seedlings that are trying to establish themselves. This can make it harder for the seed to take root and grow.
I remember one time when I was planting grass seed in my backyard, and I accidentally walked over a section that I had just seeded. I was worried that I had ruined all my hard work, but to my surprise, some of the seed still managed to grow. However, the grass in that area was much thinner and patchier compared to the rest of the lawn.
While some grass seed may still be able to grow after being stepped on, it’s best to avoid walking on newly seeded areas if possible. This will give the seed the best chance of germinating and establishing a strong root system. If you do need to walk on a newly seeded lawn, try to do so lightly and avoid putting too much pressure on the seedlings.
If you find that you have accidentally stepped on your newly seeded lawn, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the damage. First, gently rake the area to loosen the compacted soil. This will make it easier for the seedlings to take root. Next, water the area thoroughly to help the soil settle and provide moisture for the seedlings. consider overseeding the area to help fill in any gaps and promote more even growth.
While grass seed can still grow if it is stepped on, it is best to avoid walking on newly seeded areas to give the seed the best chance of success. If you do find yourself accidentally stepping on your newly seeded lawn, take steps to minimize the damage and promote healthy growth.